Probably by the end of the year I am going to look at getting a runabout so I'm not having to drive my truck everywhere when the wife is using the car.
I've always liked the way the original 6 looked and drove a couple when they are new both in 4-cyl and 6-cyl and liked them both. They are getting pretty cheap in good condition.
Wagons are damn near unobtanium and every time I find one its that godawful teal color. However, I really like the liftbacks/hatchbacks and I have see a few of them up for sale.
However, the first few I looked at on the Chicago CL had the V6 and had supposed bad engines. Are the V6s problematic? What at other common issues with these cars?
The V6 is a shared Ford Duratec engine, so they should be pretty common.
I've heard the auto transmission on the 2005 and later ones is better than on the earlier ones, but have no first hand experience.
In reply to Brett_Murphy:
Well I'd be going with a manual if anything.
Rusty quarter panels
Pcv failure
If the precats go, the material ends up in the engine
Watch out for the plastic coolant T by the battery if you ever do any work, it breaks fairly easily.
How hard are the hatches to find? Did they make a ton of them? I have found several, but I know they aren't as rare as the wagon.
The hatches are indeed pretty hard to find. A 2.3 5-speed hatch was #1 on my daily driver search list some time back but I just couldn't find one.
Some (probably most) may disagree, but I much prefer the 2.3 I4 to the 3.0 V6; they get phenomenal fuel economy, don't have the pre-cat issue, are much easier to work on and still quite fun to drive.
Mazda6 3.0 V6s seem to go for around $2000 while the Ford alternative is around $500. The Ford engine can be made to work, but it does require swapping things around. There is a guide online. I am going through the process now due to an engine that died likely due to cat failure.
In reply to pappatho:
Not looking to do an engine swap, just want to get a running, driving car.
I have a 2006 2.3 auto hatch that I just sold (waiting on the buyer to pick it up)
Drove the car for 99,500 (30k to 129k)miles over the last 6.5 years.
The 5-speed auto was great. I really didn't feel at a loss for not having a manual in it.
I consistently got 28mpg. The car was good to me, except for three sets of rear calipers failing. Changing out the brake fluid really seemed to help that issue.
The cargo capacity of the hatch was very convenient; I once hauled two sets of 17x8 mustang wheels, one with tires on them, in the back of mine.
I really enjoyed mine, and will miss it. With the prices where they are now, I'm very surprised more people are not picking them up.
If you do end up with one, I'll make you a good deal on a new in opened box progress rear sway bar. Bought it and never got around to installing it,
SyntheticBlinkerFluid wrote:
Dammit, why can't I have money right now. 
https://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/cto/5632006523.html
He said their was a small rust spot, the problem is when it comes to rust that little spot will soon be a big one
I had one for a rental and the biggest thing I couldn't get over was the turning radius. You might as well circle the building instead of pulling into a parking spot.
I drove one a while ago, and it is one of the best handling mid-sized sedans made.
I've been very interested in these for a while. I drove an automatic for work once, and it felt nice, except the clutch seemed out of sorts (very dull/vague, maybe it needed to be replaced.) You get wishbones up front which is neat, and the steering feels great.
CyberEric wrote:
I've been very interested in these for a while. I drove an automatic for work once, and it felt nice, except the clutch seemed out of sorts (very dull/vague, maybe it needed to be replaced.) You get wishbones up front which is neat, and the steering feels great.
You drove an automatic but the clutch was vague? Um...care to explain that?
A friend of mine bought a 2.3/5MT hatchback when they were new. He proceeded to kill the thing within 4-5 years. He is notoriously rough on cars. He basically used it as a battering ram. But when it was brand new, it was pretty cool!
I wouldn't hesitate on buying either a 2.3 or a 3.0 car, as long as it's not rusted in half.
Periodically a V6 Manual wagon pops up and I think I want it. The V6 doesn't seem to make much power - its not like its a fast car. It looks more complex and difficult to work on than 4cyl and gets significantly worse mileage.
Now if the 2nd gen with the 3.7 came with a manual...
I didn't know the hatchback was a thing until reading this. Interesting.
